Namco Founder Masaya Nakamura Passes Away at 91, Leaving Lasting Legacy for Nintendo and the Gaming Industry

Masaya Nakamura, the influential founder of Namco and a pioneering force in the global gaming industry, has died at the age of 91.

The announcement was made by Bandai Namco in an official press release, confirming that Nakamura passed away on January 22.

Nakamura's contributions have been critical not only to Namco's legacy but also in shaping the partnership between Namco and Nintendo—a relationship that has fostered innovation and iconic games for decades.

Masaya Nakamura established Namco in 1955 under the original name Nakamura Manufacturing.

The company’s earliest ventures included installing mechanical amusement rides, notably starting with two electric horses on the roof of the Matsuya department store in Isezaki Town.

Nakamura's vision and business acumen would eventually guide the company into the burgeoning arcade and video game markets, laying the groundwork for a new era in interactive entertainment.

Namco rose to international prominence in 1980 with the arcade release of Pac-Man.

Under Nakamura’s leadership, Pac-Man became a worldwide sensation, earning a place in the Guinness World Records as the “most successful coin-operated game machine” in history.

Nakamura's inventive spirit and commitment to quality cemented his reputation as the 'Father of Pac-Man,' a title recognized by gamers and industry leaders around the world.

Over the years, the relationship between Namco and Nintendo has played a significant role in the evolution of video games, especially during the rise of home gaming platforms.

Namco has been a key third-party developer for Nintendo, contributing notable titles and exclusive content across multiple generations of Nintendo consoles, including the Nintendo Switch and earlier platforms.

In an official statement released today, Nintendo acknowledged Namco’s enduring impact: “As a third-party partner, Namco has been a significant part of Nintendo’s history, thanks in large part to Masaya Nakamura.

He changed gaming for the better.” While Namco’s support for various Nintendo systems has varied over the years, the collaboration between the two companies has resulted in a number of beloved titles and celebrated milestones within the Nintendo Direct presentations and eShop releases.

The legacy of Masaya Nakamura extends far beyond his role as a business leader; his dedication to innovation, creativity, and the broader community of players helped shape entertainment experiences enjoyed by millions worldwide. As the founder of Namco and the visionary behind Pac-Man, Masaya Nakamura’s influence continues to resonate throughout the global game development community.

His achievements have earned him recognition in both industry circles and popular culture, securing Namco’s place as a cornerstone of the gaming landscape and reaffirming the lasting importance of partnerships like the one between Namco and Nintendo.

Masaya Nakamura Namco Nintendo Bandai Namco Pac-Man Matsuya department store